Alpha, Beta and Gamma Ray | Easiest Explaination

Unstable elements release extra energy by some processes and they decay into some other element. The basic processes by which unstable elements decay to other elements include:

Alpha decay:

alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons, so the atomic number of alpha emitter changes by 2 and mass number is changes by 2. 

Beta decay:

It involves either 

A positron (positive electron) emission — a proton is converted into neutron and positron is emitted.atimic number decreases by 1.

Or a negative electron is emitted — neutron is converted into proton and an electron is produced. Atomic number increases by 1. 

takes place in beta decay that is called electron capture. In this process an electron from electronic shell is swallowed by nucleus and a proton is converted into neutron so atom is transmuted into next below atomic number element.

Gamma decay:

During some nuclear decay reactions, the excited daughter nuclei transform to the ground states by gamma emission.

The radiations are invisible to humans.

The exposure to these radiations can treat cancer as well cause it. 

information on the type and amount of radiation present.